Morris dance is an English folk dance accompanied by music. The dance is based on rhythmic steps and choreographed figures that are performed by a group of dancers. These dancers usually wear bell-pads around their shins, giving the steps an extra zing. The earliest documentation of the dance is from the 15th-century. In the late 16th century, the dance was part of performances for the lower classes. In Morris dancing you can use several props in addition to the ruggles (bell-pads). In some dances, you can use sticks, handkerchiefs or even swords. During the dance, where sticks are used, the dancers clash the sticks together. This brings a new element to the dance, which can be interpreted as something akin to fencing. So you better get your Morris dancing sticks ready, since there’re many amazing styles to pick from! There’s Cotswold, that uses a figurative but flowing style, and Morris dancing sticks. Border is another style that is a more aggressive stick-dancing style, compared to the others. It was reinvented in the 70s. Then there’s North West, which is a more professional style. Usually, this style is associated with clogs and garlanded hoops. Rapper/Longsword uses flexible two-handled or rigid one-handled swords. And then there’s Molly, which is a traditional form from East Anglia and gaining popularity. But where can you get a feel of the dance? Folk Festival in Geneva a real learning experience for Morris Dancers
and those interested in the dance. You can get dance lessons from the dance groups, and get to wield the sticks, clacking them together in rhythm to the movements of the dance.